Disclaimer--I do not own the forgotten realms setting, but I do own the characters used within the story. In other words, DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT TOUCHING THEM! I SWEAR I'LL SIT ON YOU!
AIDEN'S FLAME
A.N.--Sorry for not posting earlier, but it's a double post, so be happy!
Chapter 6
Aiden arranged for the two to meet him in his inn the next day, after they had determined how many men would fight, then bade them good day and thanked them.
Hammer had given him directions to the smithy, and informed him that he was a member of Faridim's unit. He had also informed him that he would consider it a great honor to fight beside any of Aiden's skill.
Aiden had found the smithy without much difficulty, the dwarf's directions only leading him a block astray. He picked up the items he had asked for, amazed at the dwarven quality and skill that had gone into them.
He found Zenalic waiting for him when he returned to the inn. As he laid the bundle from the smith on the bed beside her, he asked, "What did the Lords of Waterdeep have to say?"
"They understand the future threat, but forbid me to attack and refuse to commit their forces," she said, utterly disgusted. "They believe that Waterdeep has more imminent threats to be dealt with."
Aiden laid a comforting hand on her shoulder as her rage filled her.
"This is who I serve, who I suffered for?" she spat. "They claim to have what is best for Waterdeep in mind and heart, but they refuse to understand that The Exiles grow in strength every day, as more and more drow join them. If we do not attack now, we stand no chance."
"Then we attack in a tenday," he responded, causing her head to snap up. "I promised you I would fight, and I intend to. There are also a few men, and two captains, who shall accompany us, if luck serves." A glimpse of hope edged into her eyes. "However," he continued, "I must ask that you think no further of your failed Lords, for there is no time to cry over spilled milk, and create a map of what you can remember of the place in which you were held, and the surrounding caverns. We must decide how best to attack, and where we go once we are in."
Zenalic nodded and smiled, saying, "Thank you, Aiden. You give me hope."
Aiden bowed his head slightly, but otherwise showed no sign of the comment. "Have you found enough spell books?" he asked.
"The two you took from the wizard are quite potent," she replied. "But I still need a battle-focused book."
"Very well," Aiden said. "I shall go retrieve such if you will make a list of the components you will need for the others."
"It would be easier if I simply went myself," she said.
"No," he stated. "I do not want you to leave the inn again. It is too dangerous. The drow must know you survived, and so knowing, they will come after you."
She sighed and nodded. Picking up both her books and some parchment, she began to scribble the component list.
When she finished, he took the list and opened the bundle from the smith. In it lay a tall suit of light, sleeveless mail, as well as two daggers, and a short sword. "I didn't know what you used, so I ordered sword and dagger made," Aiden said. "They are the best you will find around here. Train with what you shall use and make sure the mail fits. As I am sure you know, there are plenty of spare padding layers in the closet. One should fit you."
She blushed slightly at the mention of her snooping and said, "Thank you, Aiden."
"But of course," he said. "I did not save you from the drow only to have you die by them!" and with that, he walked from the room.
A.N.--Quick tongued, ain't he? R&R y'all!